Orlando Pirates star Abdoulaye Mariko has a brand new jersey number. He’s also arrived at training in a stylish outfit.
Mariko brings West African flair to Orlando Pirates
Abdoulaye Mariko arrived for action at the weekend sporting some stylish gear. The 24-year-old Malian midfielder attracted praise from commenters on Facebook for his pre-match outfit. A lot of people think it’s more suitable for church than training. You be the judge! Pirates beat Milford 2-0 with strikes from wide men Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi to get their title defence off to the perfect start.
Pirates squad numbers for 2026-27
- 3. Nkosikhona Ndaba
- 4. Abdoulaye Mariko
- 5. Nkosinathi Sibisi
- 6. Lebone Seema
- 7. Deon Hotto
- 8. Makhehleni Makkhaula
- 9. Yanela Mbuthuma
- 11. Tshepang Moremi
- 12. Oswin Appollis
- 14. Andre de Jong
- 15. Masindi Nemtajela
- 16. Thalente Mbatha
- 17. Evidence Makgopa
- 18. Kabelo Dlamini
- 19. Neo Rapoo
- 20. Simphiwe Selepe
- 21. Deano van Rooyen
- 23. Gamphani Lungu
- 24. Sipho Chaine
- 25. Boitumelo Radiopane
- 26. Matome Mmolai
- 27. Tapelo Xoki
- 28. Patrick Maswanganyi
- 29. Mthetheleli Mthiyane
- 30. Sihle Nduli
- 31. Sebastian Pedersen
- 32. Siyabonga Dladla
- 33. Thapelo Mkobodi
- 36. Kamogelo Sebelebele
- 37. Sbangani Zulu
- 38. Mpho Padime
- 39. Sifiso Luthuli
- 40. Zoëy Monyepao
- 41. Reece Braithwaite
- 43. Mpho Chabatsane
- 44. Cristian Derbyshire
- 45. Daniel Msendami
- 46. Cemran Dansin
- 47. Bohlale Ngwatoda
- 48. Simphiwe Masilela
- 49. Kabelo Kgotsitsile
Who’s got new numbers?
Premiership Defender of the Season Lebone Seema is among such players, as he is now set to don number 6 after vacating 33. Midfielder Mariko has done the same, swapping his number 32 for number 4. The Malian midfielder has vacated his old shirt for goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla, whose fellow shot-stopper Zoëy Monyepao has grabbed his old number 40.
What’s next?
Pirates are in MTN8 action on Saturday 8 August against Durban City.